Your Guide to Puerto Rico Car Transport & Taxes
Navigating a Puerto Rico car transport is a little different than shipping your car somewhere within the United States. Along with arranging transport by boat, you also need to consider import fees, taxes, registration, and myriad other documents and fees. Let’s look at the process for a successful Puerto Rico car transport so you can avoid any surprises.
Cost to Import a Car to Puerto Rico
The excise tax to import a car to Puerto Rico depends on the year, make, and model of your vehicle. You can check the SURI Hacienda website to calculate the estimated cost. Keep in mind this is an estimate — many report that the actual taxes due were less than what they anticipated.
There’s also the cost of logistics to consider. The total cost will depend on the port from which you’re leaving and the size of the vehicle. Typically, most people pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 for car shipping to Puerto Rico. Coastal Auto Shipping can provide you with a free quote to ship your vehicle to or from Puerto Rico.
How to Pay Your Import Tax
When your car arrives in Puerto Rico, you won’t be able to drive away immediately. You’ll first need to pay your import excise tax and furnish the Official Excise Tax Document. This document is obtained at the port after going through various security clearances. This is also a great opportunity to inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during transport.
With the tax document in hand, you can make your tax payment online. Visit the SURI Hacienda website and choose either the ACH or credit card payment option. Currently, this is the only way to pay your taxes, as the Hacienda Centro de Servicios is not accepting in-person payments due to the pandemic.
This may change in the future; when it does, you can go to the Hacienda Centro de Servicios in person to pay with cash. The office is located at:
2 Avenida Juan Ponce de León
San Juan, 00917
Once you have proof of payment, you can return to the port and present the proof and the excise tax document to retrieve your vehicle.
Retrieving Your Vehicle from the Port
In order to take possession of your vehicle, you will need to pass security and provide the following documentation:
- Valid driver’s license
- Social security card
- Official Excise Tax Document
- Booking number
- Proof of tax payment
- Payment for remainder of car transport (if not paid in full)
Security will inspect your vehicle, take a photo, and review your documentation. Once finalized, you can drive your car out of the port.
Get Help with Puerto Rico Car Transport
The first step for your Puerto Rico car transport is to request a quote and arrange for transport. Coastal Auto Shipping has you covered with safe transport and all the guidance you need for documentation and retrieval of your vehicle. We’re licensed, insured, and experienced in car shipping to and from Puerto Rico. Contact us today for a free quote!